--- title: "The 10 Best Paint Colors for a Brighter Basement" description: "Is it better to choose light or deep paint for a basement? All of the above! Get inspired by some of our favorite colors for basement walls." date: "2023-06-16" modified: "2023-06-26" authors: - name: "Marie Proeller Hueston" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/marie-proeller-hueston/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/paint-colors-for-basement/" categories: - "Basements" - "Interior" --- # The 10 Best Paint Colors for a Brighter Basement ![Beautiful basement entertaining room with LED lighting in tray ceiling]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Finished basements can serve all sorts of purposes, whether you’re in need of an extra den or a playroom or you want to create additional space for a home office or craft room. Regardless of the room type, the [paint color]() you choose will lay the foundation of your design, making a big impact on your overall aesthetic. When shopping for new paint for your [basement walls](), the two main factors to consider are the paint’s color and finish. Semi-gloss and glossy finishes tend to work best for basements since they’re moisture-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. They also do a great job of reflecting light, which can make your basement appear lighter and brighter. As far as color, the best color depends on your unique style sensibility. These hues can provide all the inspiration you need to land on the perfect hue for your basement refresh. ## 1. Bright White ![Room with Bright White Ceiling]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Crisp clean white is a natural choice to [brighten]() light-deprived spaces like basements. Its bright energy makes it ideal for home offices. According to Ashley Banbury, Color Marketing Manager for Dutch Boy Paints, the hue is a great way to make your space look larger: “Using bright whites that reflect the light in the space is a great option for making basement spaces feel larger. When used on the ceiling it makes the room feel taller—a perfect solution for those smaller basements.” You can maximize the hue's expansive feel by incorporating white furnishings and accessories or break it up with playful pops of color. Either way, [Dutch Boy Paints White (003W)]() is a great way to achieve this look. ## 2. Light Blue ![Basement with light blue paint]() *Photo: [dunnedawards.com]()* “Light blue is a perfect soft tone that can make basement rooms feel welcoming and inviting,” says Banbury. [Dunn Edwards Silver Creek (DE6275)]() is a pleasing, pale shade of gray-blue that calms the senses and lifts the spirits. It’s a great fit for a welcoming living space or [cozy basement bedroom](). Soft [neutrals](), like beige, gray, and cream, tend to pair particularly well with this hue. **RELATED:** **[14 Unfinished Basement Ideas You Can DIY in a Weekend]()** ## 3. Red ![Basement Movie Room Painted with Red Walls]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* [Painting]() the walls a fiery red, like [PPG’s Blaze (PPG13-16)](), will instantly infuse energy into this sometimes humdrum space. Red is a great choice for basement playrooms, game rooms, and other spaces that benefit from a burst of energy. ## 4. Purple ![Basement with purple paint]() *Photo: [Zillow Digs home]() in Alexandria, VA* Because purple is often associated with creativity, it's a stellar option for a basement office or work space. The particular shade you choose can alter the mood of the room. Deep plums look sophisticated and elegant, while lavender, like [PPG’s Ash Grove (PPG1172-4](), is both soothing and playful. **RELATED:** [**15 Basement Ceiling Ideas to Inspire Your Space**]() ## 5. Gray ![Finished Basement Painted Gray]() *Photo: [Zillow Digs home]() in Washington, DC* Gray paint, like [Sherwin-Williams’ Evening Shadow (SW7662)](), can bring sophistication to any basement den, living room, or home office. Pair gray walls with neutral [furniture]() for a classic look or embrace modernity by adding bold details in colors like orange, deep blue, or lime green. ## 6. Cream ![Basement with cream walls]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* “Cream colors embody comfort and create inviting spaces where you can relax and unwind,” says Banbury. The color works in functional spaces like home offices or laundry rooms as well as in entertainment spaces, such as TV or rec rooms. Mahogany or honey-toned woods pair well with cream, as do denim blues and tomato reds. [Linen Ruffle (PPG1075-1) by PPG]() is a nice option for a light but warm cream basement. **RELATED:** **[14 Tips for a Cozy Basement Bedroom]()** ## 7. Navy Blue ![Basement painted navy blue]() *Photo: [Zillow Digs home]() in Lake Oswego, OR* ‘Since basements typically lack sunlight, darker shades have the ability to create a moody environment that feels unique and personal,” says Banbury. If you're yearning for a bold look, opt for a classic shade of navy blue, like [PPG’s Annapolis Blue (PPG1164-7)]() which enhances the space without looking claustrophobic. Then brighten things up with an abundance of light neutral design details. ## 8. Green ![Basement with Green Walls]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* You'll find countless shades of green paint, from lime to emerald, at the home store. Each tone can function well in a basement, as either an all-around background or bold accent. Darker shades add drama and coziness, while light shades create a fun energy. Opt for an attention-grabbing lime hue in a child's playroom, restful sage for a [guest room](), like [PPG’s Pine Whisper (PPG1134-4)](), or emerald as an accent color. **RELATED:** **[12 Finished Basement Ideas for Creating the Ultimate Bonus Space]()** ## 9. Yellow ![Minimalist modern kitchen with healthy breakfast, living room and wooden staircase, contemporary white and yellow interior design]() *Photo: depositphotos.com* Vivid and energetic, yellow paint, like [PPG’s Firelight (PPG1211-5)](), instantly warms any dark basement. The cheerful hue can be challenging to incorporate into a design scheme because sunlight intensifies the brightness, but the limited natural light in basements allows homeowners to pick a strong gold or lemon shade without worry. ## 10. Brown ![Modern brown interior design living room with flower]() *Photo: depositphotos.com* Rich brown, like [PPG’s Chestnut (PPG15-23)](), can add equal parts drama and warmth to a basement design, so it’s a particularly nice fit for an inviting movie room or gaming area. You can brighten up the brown light accents or double down on its enveloping ambience by layering natural [woods]() and woven textures. **[Buy PPG paint at The Home Depot]()** **[Buy HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams paint at Lowe's]()** **[Buy Benjamin Moore paint at Ace Hardware]()** ## Author Marie Proeller Hueston is the author of several books on home design decorating, including *[Country Living Farmhouses]()* and *[Country Living Cottage Style]()*. She is the former Arts & Antiques Editor of [Country Living](). A fan of all things DIY and design, Ms. Hueston lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, son, and daughter. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()